Baseboards are common along the base of drywall. Not only do they increase the beauty of the space but are important as well. Baseboards protect the drywall from moisture and damage. And if you’re here to look for an easy way to install baseboards then nothing could be better than a good nail gun.
Gone are the days when you needed a hammer and a box of nails to stick the baseboard to the drywall. Now you can easily install a baseboard at the bottom of the wall with the help of a good electric finish gun. But finding the right tool for your project can be quite a task especially if you don’t have deep knowledge of the subject.
But then you don’t have to worry about that as we’ve carefully picked the best nail guns for baseboards in the market. The gauge of a nail gun is important while doing finishing and framework projects. And the below list contains the right size nail gun for the baseboard that will help you finish the task easily and in time. But before jumping to the best nail gun reviews, let us throw some light on which type of nail guns are best for baseboards.
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What Type of Nail Guns are Good for Baseboard?
The two widely used nail guns for finishing or baseboard work are, the brad nailer and finish nailer. While it is common for a DIYer or naive user to use both the terms interchangeably but they are used for different purposes. Read the difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer below to get a clear idea.
Brad Nailer
Brad nailers use thin, 18-gauge nails made of that are ideal for finishing work. Though the thin nails do not have the capacity to hold a thick piece of wood together, they are perfect for finishing work. For example, you can use a brad nailer for decorative work as the thin nails or say, brads of the gun are hardly visible. The brad length ranges from 1/2-inch to 2-1/2-inch which reduces wood spilling and is perfect for light-duty work.
Finish Nailer
Finish nailers use thick nails of 15 or 16-gauge and are ideal to use in strength projects. Such a type of nailer gun is perfect for installing baseboards, door casing, window frames, crown molding, cabinets, etc. The thick nails of the finish nailer hold the thick piece of the wood against the wall or other object.
Best Nail Guns for Baseboard
1) PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer
If this is your first time buying such pneumatic tools then, the simpler the tool, the better it is. So we’ve picked Portable Cable cordless brad nailer kit first on the list that is perfect for beginners. It is a cordless tool that operates fluently as long as the battery lasts. No hassle of electric wires, cords, or noisy air compressors with this tool.
Even though cordless, this Portable Cable brad nailer delivers enough power to finish most of the framing, designing, and finishing job. Equipped with a brushless motor, the cordless brad nailer is perfect for trim and crown molding. And once you get your hand on the gun, you can use it for other applications as well.
The pin shoots from the tool as soon as you press the trigger. It takes no build-up time to release the pin which is perfect for beginners. Besides, you get a depth adjustment wheel onboard for different projects. Plus, the tool has excellent safety features to prevent accidental firing. And there’s a separate switch to clear the jam in case you missed the spot. All in all, it is a great cordless brad nailer for beginners.
Pros:
- Multi-functional dual LED lights on the front for a better view
- Multiple tool-free settings
- Lightweight design helps with framing and finishing work on the ceiling wall
- The battery-powered nail gun can last up to 1300 nails on a single charge
- Needs no compressor, hose, or gas canister
- Best rated nail gun for baseboards and crown molding
Cons:
- None for the price
Key Features:
- 18-gauge nail
- Brushless motor
- 2-in maximum fastener size
- Depth adjustment wheel
- Tool-free jam release
- Weighs 5.9 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
2) DEWALT 20V MAX Finish Nailer, Angled, 15GA
Speed your game of baseboard installment with the Dewalt finish nailer. Dewalt is a well-known power tool brand among many households and companies. And if you wish to go with the brand then here’s a perfect pick for you. Again, this is a cordless finish nailer that drives 15-gauge angled finish nails from 1-1/4-in to 2-1/2-in. Thus, perfect for holding large pieces of baseboards to the place.
Just like the above model, this Dewalt cordless angled nailer gun does not require any other components for flawless operation. And by that we mean, you do not need gas, compressor, or hose. Simply attach a fully charged battery to the tool and tackle both small and large jobs with the freedom of cordless.
The powerful brushless motor of Dewalt DCN650B is best powered by Dewalt 20V MAX* lithium-ion battery. Once the battery is attached, simply press the trigger to release the 15-gauge nails from its micro-nose. Thanks to the micro nose design of Dewalt that lets you point the nail in the exact location. Such accuracy not only gives a professional touch to the project but builds the confidence to do more.
Pros:
- Smart micro nose design improves line of sight for accurate placement of the nail
- Tool-free depth adjustment, tool-free selectable trigger, and tool-free jam release
- Multi-functional LED lights
- Adjustable belt hook aids both left or right-handers
- Inline magazine
- Compatible with all Dewalt 20V MAX batteries
- Best finish nail gun for DIY use
Cons:
- Shooting speed is not like a pneumatic gun, however, it is still very impressive
- Costly for occasional use
Key Features:
- 15-gauge angled finish
- Brushless motor
- 1-1/4-in max fastener size
- Micro nose
- Multiple tool-free adjustments
- Weighs 6.62 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
3) Makita AF601 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer
Woodworkers and serious DIYer look for a reliable and powerful tool. And if you’re planning to use the tool daily then go for Maita 16-gauge 2-1/2-in straight finish nailer. This powerful pneumatic tool set nails accurately and consistently even through 3/4-inch oak. So apart from baseboard attachment, you can use the gun for carpentry, trim, crown molding, and other woodworking projects.
The ergonomic rubber grip of the Makita electric nail gun provides maximum comfort. Besides, the narrow nose design of the tool helps to view the line or point on the surface clearly for accurate nail placement. And in case of jam, you can simply release the cam-lock to access nail assembly and clear jams.
Dry fires are a common beginner’s mistake that can cause huge damage to the tool. And to prevent any expensive damage, Makita corded electric nail gun features nail lockout. This feature prevents dry fires from damaging your workpiece as well as protects the user.
While many cordless tools offer only sequential mode, you get 2 mode selectors with this pneumatic nail gun. The 2 modes are contact and sequential. Simply push the lever in the right direction to switch to a different nailing mode. Besides that, adjust the depth without any additional tool with an onboard tool-free depth adjustment switch.
Pros:
- A powerful motor that drives 16-gauge straight finish nails is perfect for both soft and hardwood materials
- Compact and comfortable design for everyday use
- Nail lock-out prevents dry-fires
- Multi-directional exhaust port
- Includes components for air fitting, tool case, pneumatic nailer oil, 2x safety glasses, and 2x no-mar tip
- Air duster on the back for convenient cleaning of surface, tools, and worksite
- Best pneumatic nail gun for baseboard and other carpentry work under $200
Cons:
- Lightweight but bulky design
- The pneumatic tool requires an air compressor
Key Features:
- 16-gauge
- 1-in max fastener size
- 100 magazine capacity
- 34° nail gun angle
- 2 mode selector
- Weighs 3.8 lbs
- 3-year limited warranty
4) BOSTITCH Finish Nailer Kit, 16GA, Smart Point, Pneumatic
A good tool under budget is a bonus for budget buyers. Also, there’s no point in buying an expensive tool especially if you’re going to use it occasionally. So we’ve picked the Bostitch budget to finish nailer kit that accepts 16-gauge nails for all-around DIY work. You can add 16-gauge nails that range from 1-1/4-in to 2-1/2-in long in this pneumatic nailer gun.
Thanks to the oil-free operation of the Bostitch electric finish nailer that removes the hassle of changing and adding oil. Plus, no fear of ugly oil stains on the floor or surface. All you need is a good air compressor tool for the unit to work flawlessly. In addition to oil-free operation, the Bostitch finish nailer provides 2 modes of operation, sequential or contact.
To make sure your tool reaches safely to the workplace and back, Bostitch includes a carrying case. In fact, it comes with an entire kit that includes 1/4-in air fitting, nailer, and extra no-mar tips. Besides, the bottom load magazine makes it convenient for the user to load the nails. In short, it is one of the best picks under budget.
Pros:
- Oil-free operation means no hassle of changing/filling oil or ugly stains on the surface/wall/baseboard
- Includes a carrying case and kit for flawless operation on the job site
- Trigger to switch between sequential or contact operation
- Straight magazine angle with 100 magazine capacity
- Special depth control for precise countersinking of nails
- Other features include a rear exhaust and belt hook with an integrated pencil sharpener
- You get an impressive warranty period of 7 years that tells a lot about the product
- Best affordable pneumatic finish nailer for baseboards and crown molding
Cons:
- It takes time to understand the loading of nails due to different design
- Not intended to use for large projects
- Carrying case could be better
Key Features:
- 18-gauge
- Selectable trigger system
- Dial-A-Depth™ control
- Oil-free operation
- Non-marring tip
- Low nail lockout
- Weighs 7.34 pounds
- 7-year limited warranty
5) Ryobi P330 18V ONE+ Angled 15 Ga Finish Nailer
Power and accuracy are important when you work on a large commercial project. But if you’re a beginner or DIY who plan to use the tool occasionally then it is good to invest in a budget finish nailer. And Ryobi P330 18V tool is perfect for DIY enthusiasts as it delivers power with cordless convenience.
AirStrike technology of Ryobi P330 eliminates the need for noisy compressors, bulky hoses, or expensive gas cartridges. And usage of the tool becomes so much easy when you do not have to deal with extra attachments. Besides, this Ryobi model is an angled finished nailer that has an angled magazine. Such angled nail guns are perfect to reach corners and tight spaces, especially when installing baseboard on the corner of the wall.
A bright led light on the front provides better precision while installing baseboards on dark corners. Plus, there are 2 marring pads to keep the worksurface free of tool marks. Thanks to the interchangeable belt clip mounts that can be attached to the left or right side. Thus, the tool is easy to operate for both right and left-handers.
Pros:
- Grip-light technology illuminates LED as soon as you grasp the tool handle
- Toolless depth-of-drive adjustment
- The kit includes an 18V Airstrike 15-gauge angled finish nailer, sample nails, belt clip, and user manual
- Feature dry fire lockout to avoid any tool damage
- Selectable drive switch with contact actuation mode
- Best cordless angled finish nailer under $200
Cons:
- Bit heavy tool
- Bulky design that might need a few uses before you get used to it
Key Features:
- 15-gauge
- 2-1/2-in max fastener size
- Brushed motor
- 34° nail gun angle
- 2 non-marring pads
- Weighs 9.9 pounds
- 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
Buying Guide To Choose The Right Nail Gun
Picking the best nail gun for the baseboard can be quite tricky as there are a lot of options available. While it is easy for a regular woodworker to pick the right unit according to his/her job, a beginner or DIYer should check the common features and function of the tool before adding it to the cart. And below are some important things to keep in mind while buying a new nailer gun.
Gauge
Gauge simply represents the thickness of the nail. The greater the gauge of the nail, the thinner it will be. Thinner nails have less holding power and are more suitable for finishing and decorative work, like, holding pieces of wood together. On the other hand, lower gauge nails such as 15 or 16-gauge are ideal for strength projects like installing baseboards or crown molding.
Type of the Nail Gun
While you might come across 2 popular options(brad & finish) for baseboard or trim work, there are several types of nail guns. And each tool is designed for specific work. Take a look below to find out the other types.
- Framing nailer
- Flooring nailer
- Plan nailer
- Roofing nailer
- Pin nailer
- Staple gun
Nail Length
Not every tool can accept any nail length. You must load the right magazine of the right nail length for the proper functioning of the tool. Speaking of the nail length, brad nailers can drive nail lengths from 3/8-in to 1-1/4-in. Whereas, the framing nailers accept 2 to 3-1/2-inch tall nails.
Pneumatic or Cordless Nail Gun
As by now you might know there are two types of nail guns, pneumatic or cordless. Pneumatic nail guns are undoubtedly more powerful and consistent than cordless ones as they are backed by an air compressor. They are a perfect pick for contractors, woodworkers, and serious DIYers.
Then there is a cordless finish nailer gun that does not require any extra tools for operation. Simply put a fully charged battery on board, load the magazine, and you can start working on your project. Even though they are less powerful than pneumatic tools, cordless units also deliver impressive power to install baseboards and crown molding on the drywall. They are lightweight, easy to use, and maintain.
Easy nail Loading and Removal
Thanks to the advanced design of new nail guns that makes loading and unloading of magazines easy. The tool might have a front or rear-loading magazine. However, rear loading is easier and more convenient.
In case of jam or removal, simply push/press the toolless jam-free button/lever. This will provide access to the magazine and you can either remove the entire load or take out the faulty piece.
Price and Warranty
The good thing about brad/finish nailer guns is, they are not expensive. You can get a really good catch in budget. And with proper usage and care, the tool can last for years of use. But if you’re still not sure about the quality of the product then get a tool backed by a goof warranty period. And luckily, a majority of good nail gun brands provide a good warranty on the product. Read the terms and conditions of the warranty to avoid any complications in the future, if any.
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Wrapping Up
Finish baseboard, crown molding, trim work, and other finishing projects with the best electric nail gun. This budget-friendly and lightweight tool can prove to be the best decision to add to your toolbox. You can easily finish installing baseboards to drywall in half the time as it would require with a hammer.
And not to mention but it increases onsite productivity. Now that you’ve got the list of best nail guns for baseboard with a buyer’s guide, it will be easy for you to pick the right tool. And with the right tool in hand, we’re sure you’ll finish several baseboard projects like a pro.
